The Best Car Lost Key Experts Are Doing Three Things
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful thing in the world when you know how to deal with it.
The first step is to locate a spare key and keep it in your safe place or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to get a new one programmed. There are many ways to lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys to cars are subjected many wear. They are frequently put into locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which can cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this happens, the key will be stuck or won't turn. In either case, it can be extremely annoying.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key when it is new. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one undergoes. In addition, if you lose your car keys, there's another spare.
You may also need to replace your key fob if it's stopped working properly. These are extremely useful and can do many things, including opening doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. This could be due to a few reasons, but the most common is that they've worn down from daily use. They are small delicate and are often tossed around in your pocket or bag. The buttons can easily be damaged or worn down.
If this occurs the first thing to do is thoroughly check all places that it could be, including your bag or jacket and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoebox). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys available. If not, they'll purchase one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. It's expensive however it's better than the alternative.
You can further reduce the chance of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. You should also keep a spare in a safe location, such as with your family or close friends. This way, you will always have the key in case you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you can't turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool such as bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, bring your vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further issues.
www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ can offer a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to steal your car. You'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
It's recommended to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road swiftly and avoid having to spend money on locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, but they will require a towing fee and will likely need to order one for you, which could take days. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key quicker and less expensive and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide an array of additional services to help keep your car secure, such as an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms to prevent theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which may cause problems starting and powering up your car. It is typical for these issues to progress slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears.
This issue is usually indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. You could try replacing the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to get it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part which is found within the lock cylinder housing and has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the correct key bumps. Over time the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this, you will have to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this using a small bottle graphite oil. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to remember that there is a possibility of causing damage to your car's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked out
When you accidentally lock the keys to your vehicle, the first step is to try not to panic. Be calm. You may think you're in a bind, but there are many solutions to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work with the correct tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you might require help from a professional in some cases.
The most important thing is to take the most non-destructive approach first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you get into your car, however if you're in an emergency situation, it might be your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA provide members with the option of entering their vehicle without a key.
Another great tip is to take deep breaths and walk around the entire exterior of your car to determine if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to forget something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you're still struggling to open your car keep your cool and ask for help from a neighbor or friend who's nearby. Oftentimes, a stranger is willing to help you out of a jam since they don't want you to be left in a bind. If they're not able help you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance covers it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure you are checking your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device to turn your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase a key safe that is magnetic to keep your keys in the safe, keeping them away from thieves and hidden from.